Saudi Professional League Title
The most successful club in Saudi Pro League history, with 19 top-flight titles.
Al-Hilal Saudi Football Club, commonly known as Al-Hilal, is a Saudi Arabian professional multi-sports club based in Riyadh. Its football team competes in the Saudi Pro League. Founded on 16 October 1957, the club is one of three teams to have participated in every season of the Saudi Pro League since its establishment in 1976.
Quick Facts
- Record holder
- Al Hilal SFC
- Competition type
- Domestic Top Tier League
- Location
- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Trophy name history
- National Championship; SPL
- Primary rivalry
- Derby of Riyadh (vs Al-Nassr)
- Home venue context
- King Fahd International Stadium
- Status
- Active Record Holder
Lore & Background
Al-Hilal are the most successful Saudi club, having won a record 19 Saudi Pro League titles. The club were the inaugural winners when the Saudi Premier League came into existence in the 1976–77 season, and also won the league title in 1978–79. In the 1980s, the club won four league titles. In the 1990s and early 2000s, Al-Hilal achieved league titles in 1995–96, 1997–98, and 2001–02. During the 2003–2011 period, Al-Hilal won the league in 2004–05, 2007–08, 2009–10, and 2010–11. The 2007–08 title was clinched on the final matchday with a 1–0 win over Al-Ittihad in Jeddah, with Yasser Al-Qahtani scoring the winning goal. Under manager Eric Gerets in the 2009–10 season, Al-Hilal dominated the league and were crowned champions with three games to spare.
Reader's Guide
Al-Hilal's league success is built on a blend of local talent and foreign stars. Notable local players from the source include Yousuf Al-Thunayan, Sami Al-Jaber, Nawaf Al-Temyat, Mohammed Al-Shalhoub, Abdallah Al-Jamaan, Ahmad Al-Dokhi, and Yasser Al-Qahtani. Foreign players mentioned include Brazilian legends Mario Zagallo and Rivellino, Zambian defender Elijah Litana, South Korean right back Lee Young-pyo, Romanian defensive midfielder Mirel Rădoi, Swedish winger Christian Wilhelmsson, and Brazilian attacking midfielder Thiago Neves. Managers include Cosmin Olăroiu, Eric Gerets, and Gabriel Calderon.
More in Honours & Records
Elsewhere in Al Hilal
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